Meet your Instructors
Experienced. Practical. Focused on real-world skills.
Train with instructors who prioritize effectiveness over flash.
Each brings years of experience and a shared focus on practical, adult-centered training in Shin Shin Jujitsu, Shin Nagare Karate, and Shinkendo.
Kevin Swanner
Shin Nagare Karate | Shinkendo
Kudan (9th Degree) Black Belt Hanshi in Shin Nagare Karate
Godan (5th Degree) Black Belt in Shin Shin Jujitsu
Sandan (3rd Level ) Black Belt Eagle Claw Kung Fu
Shoden Renshi (Japanese Sword instructor rank)
Hyaku-e (Japanese Sword student rank)
Kevin brings decades of experience in Shin Nagare Karate and leads our Shinkendo program. His instruction emphasizes precision, timing, and control—helping students develop disciplined technique that translates to real-world effectiveness.
Joe Medlen
Shin Shin Jujitsu
Hachidan (8th Degree) Black Belt Kyoshi Dai in Shin Shin Jujitsu
Shichidan (7th Degree) Black Belt Kyoshi Dai in Shin Nagare Karate
1st Level Eagle Claw Kung Fu
Quiet Storm Jujitsu is led by Professor Joe Medlen, a highly experienced martial artist with 30+ years of continuous training and high-level black belt rankings in Shin Shin Jujitsu and Shin Nagare Karate. His real-world background as a bail bondsman and bounty hunter directly influences the training, giving students practical, street-applicable skills—not just theory.
The school emphasizes real-world self-defense, drawing from traditional martial arts while adapting techniques for modern situations. Training is built on experience, mentorship from respected instructors, and a focus on techniques that actually work under pressure.
Elizabeth Petersen
Shin Shin Jujitsu
Godan (5th degree) Black Belt Renshi Dai in Shin Shin Jujitsu
Godan (5th degree) Back Belt Renshi Dai in Shin Nagare Karate
1st Level Eagle Claw Kung Fu
Since 2005, Betsi has been a driving force at Quiet Storm Jujitsu, blending elite expertise with a passion for inclusivity. As a ranking female martial artist, she breaks barriers by teaching students—especially those who are shorter—how to turn body mechanics and leverage into a massive tactical advantage. Her mission is to inspire women to claim their power, build unstoppable confidence, and prove that elite technique always beats size.
Howard Staggs
Shin Shin Jujitsu
Godan (5th degree) Black Belt Renshi Dai in Shin Shin Jujitsu
Godan (5th degree) Back Belt Renshi Dai in Shin Nagare Karate
Howard started his martial arts journey in 1996 and has continuously trained in various styles for 30 years. He joined Quiet Storm Jujitsu in 2010 under Sensei Joe Medlen to improve his street fighting skills. His passion is to teach students to blend soft and hard techniques, control the energy in an encounter with an opponent, and engage the whole body as the weapon.
Ready to Start?
Show up, train, and see what it’s about—your first two classes are free.